Being present and purposeful is how you can “own the moment” and maximize your workout. Be conscious of what you are doing to maintain the proper pace and form.

If you are mindlessly running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike at the gym, look away from the magazine or TV, and turn up your intensity level by focusing on a part of the exercise you can improve — pump your arms faster and lift those knees higher.

Do you psych yourself out in the gym by negatively comparing yourself to others, which leads you avoid the gym in the first place? Or stray from your own workout plan by attempting to do too much, such as by lifting too much weight, and burning out or injuring yourself as a result? If you want to compare, the key is to look for someone that is just incrementally in better shape than you. Because that person can be you!

Dr. Jim Afremow is a sports psychology expert and the author of "The Champion's Mind: How Great Athletes Think, Train, and Thrive." Follow him on Twitter @goldmedalmind.